On Tuesday night, Fashion Quarterly gathered a special group of guests for an indulgent midwinter escape to celebrate the release of our new ‘Renaissance’ issue. The backdrop? Radisson RED Auckland, a bold, design-led hotel in the heart of the city.
A stylish arrival starts long before the destination, and guests began their FQ Winter Sleepover journey travelling in luxury with Audi. They were welcomed into one of two sleek Audi vehicles (the Audi A6 Avant and the all-new Audi Q3 SUV) and whisked through the city in comfort, setting the tone for the evening ahead. Before checking in, guests eased into relaxation mode with a restorative welcome at Sensory Spa. Full-body massages and head spa treatments provided the perfect opportunity to switch off from the demands of daily life.
Upon arriving at Radisson RED Auckland, guests checked into their city-view rooms, where the hotel’s vibrant surroundings provided the perfect backdrop for a leisurely moment with the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly. But, all thoughts of lush king-sized beds and urban views were put on hold as the famed FQ Sleepover gift bag was waiting to be discovered. This season’s gifting included luxurious sleepwear from Wallace Cotton, skincare essentials from No7 at Life Pharmacy, Arepa’s brand new Brain & Gut Soda, and Logitech’s Mobi Fold Ultra-Portable Wireless Mouse.
After taking an hour or so to unwind in their rooms, it was finally time for guests to get ready for the evening ahead. Refreshed from their afternoon at Sensory Spa and settled into their surroundings at Radisson RED Auckland, they gathered downstairs ready for a night of good food and great conversation.
The evening began in the hotel lobby, where cocktails and canapés marked the launch of Radisson’s Lobby Sessions. Set against the hotel’s vibrant social hub, guests mingled over drinks while celebrating the arrival of the new Fashion Quarterly Winter issue.
The group then made their way to 33 South for the main event, where a shared-style dining experience awaited. Seasonal dishes and carefully curated drinks set the scene as guests gathered around the table, exchanging stories and enjoying the kind of long, intimate dinner winter evenings are made for. Conversation flowed easily, punctuated by clinking glasses and the unmistakable hum of a room in full swing.
Content from a memorable night of celebration, guests returned to their rooms where the evening wound down in comfort. Slipping into their new Wallace Cotton pyjamas, they embraced a slower pace before completing their nighttime ritual with No7 skincare and settling in with the latest issue of Fashion Quarterly.
After a blissful night’s sleep, the morning began with a mat Pilates session courtesy of Arepa. Following a special introduction from founder Angus Brown, Tiffany Low guided the group through a mindful class centred on breath, balance and control — the perfect way to awaken both body and mind. Guests were also among the first to sample Arepa’s new Brain & Gut Soda ahead of its official launch, providing a refreshing start to the day and an exciting preview of what’s to come.
From there, it was downstairs to the Lobby Restaurant, where coffee and breakfast unfolded at an unhurried pace. Bathed in morning light, it was the perfect opportunity to reflect on the evening before and savour a few final moments together before returning to reality.
As thoughts turned from sleepover mode back to the workday ahead, Logitech Mobi Fold Mouse proved the ultimate modern companion — bringing a touch of style, practicality and ease to life on the go.
And just like that, it was time to check out. The FQ Winter Sleepover was a celebration of renewal, the defining theme of our ‘Renaissance’ issue, and reminded us that sometimes the best escapes are found right on your doorstep. Until next time…
